National School of Drama all set to raise curtains on Bharat Rang Mahotsav

National School of Drama (NSD) Society member Vani Tripathi Tikoo speaks during a press conference on Bharat Rang Mahotsav (International Theatre Festival of India), sharing the stage with NSD Director Chittaranjan Tripathy at Sammukh Auditorium, in New Delhi. Photo Courtesy: PTI

The National School of Drama (NSD) has announced the forthcoming Bharat Rang Mahotsav (BRM 2024), one of the world's largest theatre festivals. Bharat Rang Mahotsav will begin with a splendid inaugural ceremony at the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) in Mumbai on February 1, 2024.

Ramesh Bais, Governor of Maharashtra, accompanied by National School of Drama Chairperson Paresh Rawal, will officially open the festival with a special ceremony.

The event is scheduled to take place from February 1 to February 21, 2024. Spanning across 15 cities in the country, this 21-day theatre festival will feature over 150 performances, and numerous workshops, discussions, and master classes, providing a rich tapestry of Indian and global theatre traditions. Additionally, this year will commemorate the 25th anniversary of the inception of Bharat Rang Mahotsav.

To promote theatre in Mumbai, Mukti Cultural Hub has partnered with Bharat Rang Mahotsav. Smita Thackeray, Chairperson of Mukti Foundation, has provided crucial support, enabling Mukti Cultural Hub to host a three-day festival from February 4 to 6. Additionally, Shivaji Natya Mandir has generously supported the festival, hosting 2 days festival in their theatre auditorium on February 2 and 3.

This year's festival revolves around the theme ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,' ‘Vande Bharangam,' fostering global unity among the artists. Emphasising social harmony, it seeks to create a sense of a shared world - the entire world one large family, bringing diverse cultures together through the powerful medium of the performing arts for a truly enriching experience.

NSD Director Chittaranjan Tripathy expressed profound enthusiasm for the impending festival, stating, "As we embark on the 25th year of the Bharat Rang Mahotsav, it is truly a momentous occasion that reflects our enduring commitment to artistic excellence and cultural diversity. The upcoming edition promises to be a grand celebration, showcasing not only the extraordinary creativity within the theatrical realm but also emphasising the beauty of collaboration. We are dedicated to fostering the magic of theatre, providing a platform for diverse voices and narratives to thrive. This year's festivities will not only mark a milestone but also reaffirm our steadfast belief in the transformative power of the performing arts."

In Mumbai, this cultural extravaganza, set to enchant audiences for six exhilarating days from February 1 to 6, 2024, will culminate with a grand closing ceremony on February 6 at Mukti Cultural Hub.

It will feature a total of six captivating plays, each a masterpiece in its own way, spanning various genres and languages. It will commence with the compelling play Humare Ram, featuring renowned actor and NSD alumnus Ashutosh Rana, produced by Felicity Theatre, Delhi, followed by a diverse array of productions, including ‘Gajab Tichi Ada' by Rangpeeth Theatre, Mumbai, ‘Babuji' by National School of Drama Repertory Company, New Delhi, ‘The Zoo Story' by Panchkosi, Delhi, ‘Todi Mill Fantasy' by Theatre Flamingo, Goa, and ‘Swaha' by Darpan, Lucknow.

Audiences can expect a captivating array of theatrical forms, including international productions, folk and traditional plays, modern dramas, graduate showcases, and collegiate street plays. The festival will unfold in parallel venues across Mumbai, Pune, Bhuj, Vijayawada, Jodhpur, Dibrugarh, Bhubaneswar, Patna, Ramnagar, and Srinagar, ensuring a nationwide celebration of the transformative power of theatre.

In an innovative move, this year NSD also introduces Rang Haat, an annual initiative aimed at establishing Asia's inaugural global theatre market and nurturing international collaborations in the theatrical domain. Rang Haat will unite theatre artists, programmers, patrons, and supporters, fostering the discovery of hidden talent, showcasing international projects, and facilitating both creative and financial partnerships. Participants will gain exposure to a broader audience, fostering potential collaborative ventures and injecting dynamism into the global theatre landscape.

The BRM extends beyond the stage, offering a plethora of enriching experiences. Parallel exhibitions, director-audience dialogues, discussions, and seminars will explore various facets of theatre, sparking stimulating conversations and insights. Attendees can engage in masterclasses with veteran actors, immerse themselves in the vibrant Rang Haat, and explore the diverse offerings at the Food Bazaar, letting the spirit of theatre truly captivate them.